December 31, 2014

DisclosurePier 94, 711 12th Ave. at 54th St.; 646-778-3211; 8 p.m.
Guy and Howard Lawrence, the young but eerily skilled siblings behind
Disclosure, are bringing their two-pronged, electro-music attack rigs to
the edge of Hell's Kitchen. Claude VonStroke, Dusky, Ten Walls, Kyle
Hall, and Isaac Tichauer will accompany the duo in what promises to be a
retro-house-tinged evening.Jack ÜMadison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plz., nr. 31st St.; 212-465-6741; 8 p.m.
No more Phish for Madison Square Garden. This year the venue is serving
the gnarly equation of Skrillex plus Diplo, which equals Jack Ü, the
high-octane electronic duo accentuated by grimy, hyperactive beats and
very different hairstyles. Come with your best neon, head-bang, and
fist-pump in tow — water bottles also recommended.Gov't MuleBeacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, nr. 74th St.; 212-465-6500; 9 p.m.
Celebrating two decades together, the southern-rock jam band Gov't Mule
has no dearth of material to play. The guitar-centric group, which
originally began as a side project of the Allman Brothers Band, has
garnered a reputation for bluesy noodling and rock tendencies that
compete with some of the all-time greats. They've also begun digging
back into their live archives, which include a multitude of Rolling
Stones covers.Rainer MariaBowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St., nr. Bowery; 212-533-2111; 9 p.m.
This emo-indie band, which reigned supreme in the late ’90s and early
2000s, has reunited to bring back its three-piece goodness after what
was technically an almost decadelong hiatus. Get ready to embrace those
end-of-year feelings. With openers Moss Icon.Disco BiscuitsBest Buy Theater, 1515 Broadway, at 44th St.; 212-930-1950; 8 p.m.
The Disco Biscuits are all about tasty tunes. If you want to mix your
wild dance moves with an eccentric cross of jazz, rock, techno, blues,
and classical, this might be your best bet. The band has promised to
indulge in three straight sets of otherworldly, trance-fusion jamming.PhilRADThe Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., nr. Pearl St., Port Chester; 914-937-4126; 8 p.m.
For the first time since 1969, founding Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh
will perform on New Year's Eve on the East Coast. He will join forces
with JRAD, a hard-rock band with a penchant for Jerry Garcia's songbook.Black Taxi and Mr. BrownstoneMercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St., nr. Ludlow St.; 212-260-4700; 8:30 p.m. and 1:15 a.m.
Mercury Lounge is hosting two concerts, one early, one late, to
celebrate the coming year. The night will begin with Black Taxi's
raucous energy and end with Mr. Brownstone's alcohol-fueled Guns N'
Roses tributes. For what it's worth, there's rumored to be lots of Jack
Daniel's at these shows.ErasureTerminal 5, 610 W. 56th St., nr. 11th Ave.; 212-260-4700; 8:30 p.m.
Titans of synth-pop Vince Clarke and Andy Bell have been busy touting their latest album, The Violet Flame. The English duo will bring their thrumming new material to Terminal 5, along with openers Alex English and Book of Love.Holy Ghost!Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl. at 15th St.; 212-777-6800; 8:30 p.m.
Over at Irving Plaza, Holy Ghost! will also unspool a synth-pop set of
its own. Expect this one to be tailored for the dance floor, and get
ready to move your feet to some delectable indie-house jams.Dee Dee BridgewaterIridium Jazz Club, 1650 Broadway at 51st St.; 212-582-2121; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Dee Dee Bridgewater is presiding over jazz and festivities at the
Iridium in two doses. Talk about celebrating: The latter of the live
shows includes the decorated singer-songwriter, a three-course meal, a
Champagne toast, and a police escort to the Times Square ball drop. Of
course, it is exponentially more expensive than its 7 p.m. counterpart,
but it looks like you get what you pay for.Richard Bona: Mandekan CubanoJazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-576-2232; 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Jazz multi-hyphenate Richard Bona has the same idea over at the Jazz
Standard, where, for the later show, you'll get a three-course meal and a
Champagne toast. Bona's also adding his Mandekan Cubano project, which
melds African and South American beats, into that mix.The Dictators NYCThe Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery, nr. 2nd St.; 212-228-0228; 8 p.m.
For a healthy fix of punk-rock, check out the Dictators NYC, playing
with Dirty Fences, Hector's Pets, and the Waldos. Although these guys
might look old, you wouldn't guess it from their live shows: Handsome
Dick Manitoba, the Dictators esteemed and storied front man, will not
let you down.The Hold SteadyMusic Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave.; 718-486-5400; 9:30 p.m.
For the Hold Steady, New Year's Eve will also be a birthday celebration
for bassist Galen Polivka. Special guests the So-So Glos will open the
night, and a limited-access birthday bash downstairs will cap off the
Hold Steady's last live show of the year.The Bayside TigersFun Music Ballroom at 26 Bridge, 26 Bridge St., nr. Plymouth St., Dumbo; 718-310-3040; 9 p.m.
Jump back a couple decades with the Bayside Tigers, who advertise
themselves as the ultimate '90s tribute band. Throwback getups of
sideways caps, lumberjack flannels, confetti, and a kaleidoscope of
bright colors converge with early Blink-182–era tunes in one of New
York's most fun acts.Steve TyrellCafé Carlyle, 981 Madison Ave. at 76th St.; 212-744-1600; 5:30 p.m., 9 p.m.
Steve Tyrell's warm, jazzy voice will envelop the Carlyle crowd twice
right before 2015. The first show includes a complimentary glass of
Champagne, and the second features a prix-fixe four-course menu,
followed by some New Year hoofing set against the sonic backdrop of the
Peter Duchin Orchestra. Call 212-570-7109 for reservations.

December 25, 2014

December 24, 2014

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofThe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head, and was turning around,Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

What: Join
us this Magical Last Night of Chanukah for a rock and roll dance party
for our Jewish friends and the people who love them. DJs Xerox and Kirk
Podell spin in the back room with Michael Stewart spinning up front.

Free Gelt and Latkes while supplies last. Spread the Oy this Challah-day season.

What: Shopping makes me hungry. So I like to stop by Spring Lounge in SoHo, where I can enjoy an hour of free hot
dogs, cooked in the beer selection of the week. Just show up and remember to tip for the delicious service. When: Wed. Dec. 24; 5-6pm Where: Spring Lounge: 48 Spring St.

What: The Rob Susman Brass Quartet, song leader and the revelers from all over
the city, will lustily sing out the familiar tunes. The words are in
the songbooks distributed compliments of the Washington Square
Association, but many will know them by heart. “Peace on Earth, Good
Will to Men” will ring out to remind us all of the true meaning of the
holidays. When: Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th at 5pmWhere: Washington Square Arch

What: Since I will be in Soho shopping, I will pop into Georgetown Cupcake for my free morning cupcake meal. Bethe first 100 people in line asking for the flavor of the morning, and its yours free. Just follow them on Twitter to find out what the secret flavor is. When: 10am-12pmWhere:Georgetown Cupcake SoHo: 111 Mercer St.

What: Alexia Crawford Sample Sale has it all. At this sale you will find
trendy jewelry must-haves from their most recent collections. New items
are delivered every day, and there is always something stylish to choose
from. Prices range from $5-$40 on jewelry, handbags, scarves, and hair
accessories. All one-of-a-kind pieces are all specially priced. Don't
miss out on this great sale!
When: Now thru Dec. 20 | Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 10am-5pm | (212) 518-7694Where: 8 W. 36th Street (7th Fl ) New York, NY 10018

What: This manufacturer/wholesaler opens their doors to the public only once
per year for this annual holiday clearance sale event. Look your best
this season with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces made of sterling
silver, marcasite, semi-precious stones, and cultured pearls. Find the
perfect necklace, earrings, bracelet, or pin to add a sparkle to your
outfit or to give to someone you love. Perfect holiday gifts.

Assorted macarsite earrings and pins now $20-$100, orig. $100-$300 and up

What: Hosted by a collective of local artists, designers and makers who sell
their handmade goods on the online marketplace Etsy.com, the 7th Annual
Holiday Handmade Cavalcade will feature unique wares including clothing,
jewelry, accessories, paper goods, body products, and more from 62
different indie vendors all based in the tri-state area. When: Saturday, December 13th - Sunday, December 14th | 10am-8pmWhere: Chelsea Market - 9th Ave between 15th and 16th St

December 11, 2014

What: The
toys that are collected will be donated directly to the SCO Family Of
Services. The tangible goal of this is event is to collect more toys
than in the past years. We know that we can count on our community to
not only donate these much needed toys but to also come out on December
13th to share in the festivities of the night that are being planned in
your honor.When: Saturday, December 13, 2014 4:00 pmWhere: Jouvay: 147-02 Liberty Ave. Jamaica, NY11435FREE

December 9, 2014

What: Join BLDG 92 for holiday family fun at our Third Annual Gingerbread Ship
Workshop. Christopher Sanchez, Manager at The Lambs Club and Baker
Extraordinaire, will create a gingerbread model of the Yard-built USS
Levant for children to decorate and "commission." Participants become
ship builders in training as they are led on a mini interactive exhibit
tour followed by an arts & crafts based shipbuilding workshop led by
an educator from the Brooklyn Historical Society. Each participating
child will also receive a gingerbread ship cookie and supplies to
decorate.When:Saturday, December 13, 2014 | 1:00 pmWhen: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center: 63 Flushing Ave, Bldg 92 Brooklyn, NY11201Cost: $8 for children (best for ages 4-10) | FREE for accompanying adult

What: Join your fellow Astorians at the eastern edge of
Astoria Park around the beautiful evergreen that was planted at the park
last year. The festivities recognize Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. There
will be singing, some speeches by our local electeds, and of course the
lighting of the tree. Dress warmly, since you’ll be standing outside for a
little while (the park is beautiful at night, too).

December 8, 2014

What: Winter Fest A celebration of the holiday season! Join us as we
turn Citi Field into a Winter Wonderland. There will be something for
everyone, what better way to spend an afternoon than at Citi Field where
you can meet Santa, help a child in need, play games, feast on holiday
treats, and more .When: Saturday, December 13th | 1pm-5pmWhere:Citi Field:12301 Roosevelt Ave Flushing, NY11368Cost:$10 Per Adult/$7 Per Child

December 4, 2014

What: We welcome you to share in the Christmas spirit, embracing Christmas
present and Christmas Past. At the end of the day we hope you take away the
anticipation of a Christmas filled with PEACE, LOVE & JOY.When the Historic Village closes at 5pm, PLEASE join in the walk to the Tree Lighting beginning at the Courthouse.This year, like every year, the tree lighting is free so join your neighbors and friends under the tree! When:Sunday December 7th , 2014 | 11 AM - 5 PMWhere:Historic Richmond Town: 441 Clarke Avenue Staten Island, NY10306Cost: $2 A Person | 6 years old and younger - FREE

What: Celebrate the season at our 18th Annual Holiday Lighting in Central
Park. Meet Santa and friends, watch a live ice carving demonstration,
sing carols on the Plaza, and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies. The
event concludes with lighting the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and a
flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.This event is free and
family friendly! No organized groups, please. Strollers are not allowed
on the Plaza, but stroller parking will be provided.When: December 4, 2014, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PMWhere:Central Park Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox AvenuesFREE

December 3, 2014

From left to right: “Coney Island” by
Rolling Pin Productions, “Empire State Building” by Le Monde, “Food, NYC
Style” by Baked Ideas, “NYC Street Scene: The New York Holiday Hustle”
by Butterfly Bakeshop

What: City Harvest presents the Gingerbread Extravaganza, an annual winter
celebration of gingerbread across New York City. We invite you to vote
for your favorite gingerbread structure and taste delicious treats
around the city!View incredible gingerbread structures inspired by the theme of “Made
in New York” in the atrium of Le Parker Meridien as well as at select
locations around the city. Vote for your favorite by donating to City
Harvest to help feed hungry New Yorkers, with every $1 counting as one
vote as well as one chance for you to win a 5-night stay at the Parker
Palm Springs. The creation with the most votes will receive the People’s
Choice Award in January.When: December 4, 2014 – January 4, 2015Where: Le Parker Meridien : 119 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019

December 2, 2014

What: It's that time again--time for NYC's longest-running
indie craft fair to set up shop! This, our ninth year in action, we'll be
hosting a mega-craft fair in a new location: The brand-spanking-new,
light-filled, glass-lined Brookyn Expo Center, located in the thriving heart of
Greenpoint and close to all forms of transportaion. There's even parking!

December 1, 2014

What: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide
symbol of the holidays in New York City. The 2014 Rockefeller Center Christmas
Tree will be lit and there will be live performances. Tens of thousands will crowd the sidewalks for the
event and hundreds of millions will watch it live across the globe. The Tree
will remain lit and can be viewed until 8pm on January 7th, 2015.When: Wednesday, December 3, 2014 | 7-9pm Where:Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues.FREE